EP0622763B1 - Coin sorting apparatus - Google Patents

Coin sorting apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0622763B1
EP0622763B1 EP93121155A EP93121155A EP0622763B1 EP 0622763 B1 EP0622763 B1 EP 0622763B1 EP 93121155 A EP93121155 A EP 93121155A EP 93121155 A EP93121155 A EP 93121155A EP 0622763 B1 EP0622763 B1 EP 0622763B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flaps
light barrier
flap
signal
coin
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EP93121155A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0622763A1 (en
EP0622763B2 (en
Inventor
Heinz-Werner Meyer-Weingartner
Heinz Rehfinger
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Crane Payment Innovations GmbH
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National Rejectors Inc GmbH
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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F1/00—Coin inlet arrangements; Coins specially adapted to operate coin-freed mechanisms
    • G07F1/04—Coin chutes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/36—Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D3/00—Sorting a mixed bulk of coins into denominations
    • G07D3/14—Apparatus driven under control of coin-sensing elements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a sorting device for coins according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • Electronic coin validators are able to check coins of different values. There is often a requirement to sort the coins accepted by the coin validator according to their value. This is necessary, for example, for machines that are supposed to be able to issue change.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a sorting device of the type mentioned, which is characterized by a compact design and allows a high sorting speed.
  • the flap has an opening or a recess in the lower level, to which the optical axis of a light barrier is aligned.
  • the control device generates a switch-off signal for the electromagnet of the upper flap when a coin enters or leaves the light barrier.
  • the flaps can be arranged very close together in the levels arranged one above the other. Nevertheless, the arrangement of the light barrier in the area of the flaps and the corresponding breakthrough make it possible to determine when the coins pass through the light barrier.
  • This can a new actuation signal is generated for the flap arranged above it, so that it is returned, for example, to the original position, which is identical to the inactive state of the electromagnet.
  • the reset signal of the flap assigned to the light barrier can also be initiated by the light barrier signal, for example by changing the light barrier signal after the coin has emerged from the optical path.
  • the rapid resetting of the flap located above the light barrier makes the sorting device ready for insertion into a subsequent coin. The coins can therefore be inserted one after the other in very rapid succession. In the case of a coin validator with a sorting device, the latter normally determines the acceptable insertion frequency.
  • the advantage is obtained that the electromagnets for actuating the flaps are only switched on for as long and therefore take up current as long as this is absolutely necessary. An unnecessary activation time and thus a useless power consumption is therefore prevented.
  • sorting flaps are arranged one below the other in two or more levels, according to one embodiment of the invention they have breakthroughs or recesses with which light barriers interact. In this way, the position of passing coins is determined in each level of the sorting flaps.
  • the flaps are in the inactive position of the electromagnets with their upper end against a stop and a space is provided between the flaps in this position and the wall facing the stop, which is larger than the dimensions of the coins.
  • a further power saving can be achieved according to the invention in that the control device switches on signals generated one after the other for the electromagnets in the flap levels.
  • the gradation in time is determined by the minimum time that a coin needs from one first to the next flap.
  • the light barriers provided for the flap control serve to determine where a coin is located within the sorting device.
  • the light barrier signal can also be used to generate a credit signal, for example if the last light barrier emits a corresponding signal that a coin has passed.
  • an embodiment of the invention provides that in the case of two light barriers, the control device contains a monitoring stage which detects the chronological sequence signals of the light barriers and generates an extinguishing signal or the like if that Output signal of the lower light barrier before the upper one is generated.
  • the excitation of the light barriers in reverse order to the direction of the coin is an indication that a coin should be pulled out again.
  • the delete signal then serves to cancel the credit signal that has already been generated.
  • a sorting device 10 has two parallel plates 12, 14 and a third plate 16 adjoining the plate 14, between which plates flaps 18, 20, 22, 24, 28 are pivotally mounted. It can be swiveled around an axis perpendicular to the drawing plane at the bottom End of the flaps 18 to 28.
  • the flaps 18 to 28 are actuated by electromagnets, not shown, the flaps 24, 28 being coupled and adjusted by a single magnet.
  • the flaps 18 to 28 are shown in the rest position or in a position in which the electromagnets are de-energized and therefore do not absorb any current.
  • the flap 18, which serves as an acceptance gate, rests with its upper end against a stop 30 of the plate 14.
  • the flap 20 bears against a stop component 32 on the plate 12, while the flap 22 bears against a stop component 34 between the plates 14, 16.
  • the flap 24 bears against a stop component 36 and the flap 28 against a stop component 40.
  • the electromagnets or the flaps therefore expediently have a spring which prestress the flaps 18 to 28 in the rest position.
  • the first level representing the acceptance level
  • the flap 18 in the rest position directs coins falling in the direction of arrow 42 to a coin track 44, on which they roll into a return.
  • the flaps 20, 22 form the second level, their axes being at the same height and thus the same timing control can be used.
  • Light barriers A and B are assigned to the second and third levels.
  • the light barrier A is shown as a diagram in Fig. 2. It consists of an optical transmitter element 44 and an optical receiver element 46, both of which are arranged in the plate 16. It also contains a deflection prism 48 in the plate 12, which deflects the transmission beam from the transmitter element 44 to the reception element 46.
  • the light barrier B is constructed analogously.
  • the flap 20 has a recess 50 at the upper end and the longer flap 22 has an opening 52, so that the light from the transmitter element 44 can reach the prism 48 unhindered and from there back to the receiving element 46. It is also conceivable, per element 44, 46 each provide an opening or a recess. In any case, the light barrier A makes it possible to detect the position of a coin in the area of the flaps 20, 22.
  • the flaps 24, 28 have openings 54, 56, the stop members 36, 40 also being provided with corresponding openings 58. The position of a coin in the area of the flaps 24, 28 can therefore also be detected in the third level.
  • the optical components 44, 46 are with a printed circuit board 60 soldered, which is attached to the outside of the plate 16 in a suitable manner.
  • the circuit board also carries the other components for a suitable control device, not shown, for actuating the flaps 18 to 28 and for evaluating the signals from the light barriers A and B.
  • outlets 62, 64, 68, 70 and 72 are provided, which are aligned with acceptance shafts, not shown.
  • a coin entering in the direction of arrow 42 can therefore be directed to one of the outlet openings 62 to 72 depending on its value and the position of the flaps 20 to 28.
  • the flaps 24, 28 are coupled and are therefore only adjusted together.
  • FIG. 3 shows the actuation of the electromagnets for the flaps of the first to third levels.
  • the flaps 20, 22 are only activated alternatively, depending on the value signal for the coin tested. This value signal is generated in a coin validator which is arranged above the sorting device 10 (not shown).
  • the flaps 18 to 28 are switched on in a staggered manner. A period of 20 ms elapses between the actuation of the flap 18 and the actuation of the flap 20 or 22. Until the flaps 24, 28 are actuated, the total passes a period of 50 ms.
  • the insertion or removal of a coin in the light barriers A and B is indicated by a pulse X1 or X2.
  • the pulse X2 of the light barrier B can also be used, for example, to generate a credit signal.
  • a Monitoring stage can also register the order of the pulses of light barriers A and B. If pulse X2 appears before pulse X1, this is an indication that a coin is to be retrieved using a thread. A correspondingly generated delete signal then serves to eliminate the credit signal so that a sales transaction or the like does not take place.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Sortiervorrichtung für Münzen nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a sorting device for coins according to the preamble of claim 1.

Elektronische Münzprüfer sind in der Lage, Münzen unterschiedlichen Werts zu prüfen. Häufig besteht die Forderung, die vom Münzprüfer angenommenen Münzen dem Wert nach zu sortieren. Diese Notwendigkeit besteht beispielsweise bei Automaten, die Wechselgeld herauszugeben in der Lage sein sollen.Electronic coin validators are able to check coins of different values. There is often a requirement to sort the coins accepted by the coin validator according to their value. This is necessary, for example, for machines that are supposed to be able to issue change.

Es sind verschiedene Verfahren bekannt, Münzen mechanisch so umzulenken, daß sie in zugeordnete Annahmeschächte oder dergleichen fallen. Eines besteht darin, die herabfallenden Münzen zu einer geneigten Laufbahn zu lenken, an der ein oder mehrere Fenster unterschiedlichen Durchmessers angeordnet sind, in die die Münzen je nach Größe hineinfallen (sogenannte Fenstersortierung). Es ist ferner bekannt, einen Ablenkblock mit unterschiedlich angeordneten und geformten Ablenkflächen vorzusehen, auf den die herabfallenden Münzen auftreffen und je nach Breite und Durchmesser in unterschiedliche Annahmekanäle gelenkt werden.Various methods are known for mechanically deflecting coins in such a way that they pass into assigned acceptance shafts or the like fall. One is to direct the falling coins into an inclined track on which one or more windows of different diameters are arranged, into which the coins fall depending on their size (so-called window sorting). It is also known to provide a deflection block with differently arranged and shaped deflection surfaces, on which the falling coins strike and are directed into different acceptance channels depending on the width and diameter.

Schließlich ist bekannt, zur Sortierung von Münzen Weichen oder Klappen einzusetzen. Eine derartige Klappensortiervorrichtung ist etwa aus der DE 37 18 979 bekanntgeworden. Die Klappen werden durch Elektromagnete betätigt, die von einer geeigneten Steuervorrichtung angesteuert werden nach Maßgabe von Signalen, die in dem Münzprüfer erzeugt werden. Klappen erlauben eine relativ hohe Schnelligkeit bei der Sortierung, da die Münzen im freien Fall eintreten und in ihrer Geschwindigkeit nur geringfügig verringert werden. Nachteilig bei derartigen Sortiervorrichtungen ist der relativ große Platzbedarf, vor allen Dingen, wenn die Klappen in mehreren Ebenen übereinander anzuordnen sind. Nachteilig ist ferner der relativ große Strombedarf für die Betätigungsmagneten. Insbesondere bei batteriebetriebenen Münzautomaten wirkt sich der große Strombedarf von Elektromagneten ungünstig aus.Finally, it is known to use switches or flaps for sorting coins. Such a flap sorting device has become known, for example, from DE 37 18 979. The flaps are actuated by electromagnets which are controlled by a suitable control device in accordance with signals which are generated in the coin validator. Flaps allow a relatively high speed of sorting because the coins enter in free fall and their speed is only slightly reduced. A disadvantage of such sorting devices is the relatively large space requirement, above all if the flaps are to be arranged one above the other in several levels. Another disadvantage is the relatively large current requirement for the actuating magnets. Especially with battery operated ones The large electricity requirement of electromagnets has an adverse effect on coin-operated machines.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Sortiervorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, die sich durch eine kompakte Bauweise auszeichnet und eine hohe Sortiergeschwindigkeit zuläßt.The invention has for its object to provide a sorting device of the type mentioned, which is characterized by a compact design and allows a high sorting speed.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.This object is solved by the features of claim 1.

Erfindungsgemäß weist die Klappe in der unteren Ebene einen Durchbruch oder eine Ausnehmung auf, zu der die optische Achse einer Lichtschranke ausgerichtet ist. Die Steuervorrichtung erzeugt ein Ausschaltsignal für den Elektromagneten der oberen Klappe, wenn eine Münze in die Lichtschranke ein- oder aus dieser austaucht.According to the invention, the flap has an opening or a recess in the lower level, to which the optical axis of a light barrier is aligned. The control device generates a switch-off signal for the electromagnet of the upper flap when a coin enters or leaves the light barrier.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Sortiervorrichtung können die Klappen in den übereinander angeordneten Ebenen sehr nahe zusammen angeordnet sein. Gleichwohl ermöglicht die Anordnung der Lichtschranke im Bereich der Klappen und der entsprechende Durchbruch, daß festgestellt werden kann, wenn die Münzen die Lichtschranke passieren. Dadurch kann ein neues Betätigungssignal für die darüber angeordnete Klappe erzeugt werden, so daß diese zum Beispiel in die Ursprungsstellung zurückverstellt wird, die identisch ist mit dem inaktiven Zustand des Elektromagneten. Auch das Rücksetzsignal der der Lichtschranke zugeordneten Klappe kann durch das Lichtschrankensignal initiiert werden, beispielsweise durch die Änderung des Lichtschrankensignals nach dem Austauchen der Münze aus der optischen Strecke. Die schnelle Rückstellung der jeweils über der Lichtschranke liegenden Klappe macht die Sortiervorrichtung für den Einwurf auf eine nachfolgende Münze betriebsbereit. Die Münzen können daher in sehr rascher Folge nacheinander eingeworfen werden. Bei einem Münzprüfer mit Sortiervorrichtung bestimmt letztere normalerweise die annehmbare Einwurffrequenz.In the sorting device according to the invention, the flaps can be arranged very close together in the levels arranged one above the other. Nevertheless, the arrangement of the light barrier in the area of the flaps and the corresponding breakthrough make it possible to determine when the coins pass through the light barrier. This can a new actuation signal is generated for the flap arranged above it, so that it is returned, for example, to the original position, which is identical to the inactive state of the electromagnet. The reset signal of the flap assigned to the light barrier can also be initiated by the light barrier signal, for example by changing the light barrier signal after the coin has emerged from the optical path. The rapid resetting of the flap located above the light barrier makes the sorting device ready for insertion into a subsequent coin. The coins can therefore be inserted one after the other in very rapid succession. In the case of a coin validator with a sorting device, the latter normally determines the acceptable insertion frequency.

Ferner wird der Vorteil erhalten, daß die Elektromagneten zur Betätigung der Klappen nur so lange eingeschaltet sind und mithin Strom aufnehmen, solange dies unbedingt erforderlich ist. Eine unnötige Aktivierungszeit und damit eine nutzlose Stromaufnahme wird daher unterbunden.Furthermore, the advantage is obtained that the electromagnets for actuating the flaps are only switched on for as long and therefore take up current as long as this is absolutely necessary. An unnecessary activation time and thus a useless power consumption is therefore prevented.

Sind Sortierklappen in zwei oder mehr Ebenen untereinander angeordnet, haben diese nach einer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung jeweils Durchbrüche oder Ausnehmungen, mit denen Lichtschranken zusammenwirken. Auf diese Weise erfolgt eine Positionsermittlung von passierenden Münzen in jeder Ebene der Sortierklappen.If sorting flaps are arranged one below the other in two or more levels, according to one embodiment of the invention they have breakthroughs or recesses with which light barriers interact. In this way, the position of passing coins is determined in each level of the sorting flaps.

Auch bei mehreren Lichtschranken übereinander ist es möglich, die Betätigung einer Klappe durch die Lichtschranke in der Ebene darunter vornehmen zu lassen, um ein rasches Rückstellen der oberen Klappe zu bewerkstelligen und damit eine minimale Stromaufnahme des Elektromagneten.Even if there are several light barriers one above the other, it is possible to have the flap actuate a flap on the level below, in order to quickly reset the upper flap and thus minimize the current consumption of the electromagnet.

Nach einer anderen Ausgestaltung der Erfindung liegen die Klappen in der inaktiven Stellung der Elektromagneten mit ihrem oberen Ende gegen einen Anschlag an und zwischen den Klappen in dieser Stellung und der dem Anschlag zugekehrten Wand ist ein Raum vorgesehen, der größer ist als die Abmessungen der Münzen. Sobald der obere Rand der hindurchtretenden Münze den Anschlag verlassen hat, kann die entsprechende Klappe gegen den Anschlag geschwenkt werden, ohne daß Gefahr besteht, daß die Münze durch die in die Ruhestellung zurückschwenkende Klappe eingeklemmt wird.According to another embodiment of the invention, the flaps are in the inactive position of the electromagnets with their upper end against a stop and a space is provided between the flaps in this position and the wall facing the stop, which is larger than the dimensions of the coins. As soon as the upper edge of the coin passing through it has left the stop, the corresponding flap can be pivoted against the stop without there being any risk of the coin being jammed by the flap pivoting back into the rest position.

Eine weitere Stromeinsparung kann erfindungsgemäß dadurch erzielt werden, daß die Steuervorrichtung die Einschaltsignale für die Elektromagneten in den Klappenebenen zeitlich nacheinander erzeugt. Die zeitliche Abstaffelung wird durch die Mindestzeit, welche eine Münze von einer ersten zur nächsten Klappe benötigt, vorgegeben.A further power saving can be achieved according to the invention in that the control device switches on signals generated one after the other for the electromagnets in the flap levels. The gradation in time is determined by the minimum time that a coin needs from one first to the next flap.

Die für die Klappensteuerung vorgesehenen Lichtschranken dienen zur Feststellung, wo sich eine Münze innerhalb der Sortiervorrichtung befindet. Das Lichtschrankensignal kann auch dazu verwendet werden, ein Kreditsignal zu erzeugen, beispielsweise, wenn die letzte Lichtschranke ein entsprechendes Signal abgibt, daß eine Münze passiert hat.The light barriers provided for the flap control serve to determine where a coin is located within the sorting device. The light barrier signal can also be used to generate a credit signal, for example if the last light barrier emits a corresponding signal that a coin has passed.

Es wird immer wieder versucht, Münzprüfer und Sortiervorrichtungen zu überlisten, um ohne Zahlung von Geld Ware oder Dienstleistungen zu erlangen. Ein Weg besteht zum Beispiel darin, eine echte Münze an einem Faden aufzuhängen und die Münze durch den Münzprüfer und anschließend durch die Sortiervorrichtung laufen zu lassen, um die Münze danach wieder herauszuholen oder erneut ein Kreditsignal zu erzeugen. In diesem Zusammenhang sieht eine Ausgestaltung der Erfindung vor, daß bei zwei Lichtschranken die Steuervorrichtung eine Überwachungsstufe enthält, die die zeitliche Reihenfolgesignale der Lichtschranken erfaßt und ein Löschsignal oder dergleichen erzeugt, wenn das Ausgangssignal der unteren Lichtschranke vor dem der oberen erzeugt wird. Die Erregung der Lichtschranken in umgekehrter Reihenfolge wie die Laufrichtung der Münze ist ein Indiz dafür, daß eine Münze wieder herausgezogen werden soll. Das Löschsignal dient dann dazu, das bereits erzeugte Kreditsignal wieder aufzuheben.There are repeated attempts to outwit coin validators and sorting devices in order to obtain goods or services without paying money. One way, for example, is to hang a real coin on a thread and let the coin pass through the coin validator and then through the sorting device in order to then take the coin out again or generate a credit signal again. In this context, an embodiment of the invention provides that in the case of two light barriers, the control device contains a monitoring stage which detects the chronological sequence signals of the light barriers and generates an extinguishing signal or the like if that Output signal of the lower light barrier before the upper one is generated. The excitation of the light barriers in reverse order to the direction of the coin is an indication that a coin should be pulled out again. The delete signal then serves to cancel the credit signal that has already been generated.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert.

Fig. 1
zeigt einen Schnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Sortiervorrichtung.
Fig. 2
zeigt schematisch eine Lichtschrankenanordnung der Sortiervorrichtung nach Fig. 1.
Fig. 3
zeigt ein Diagramm der Schaltimpulse für Elektromagneten der Sortiervorrichtung nach Fig. 1.
The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.
Fig. 1
shows a section through a sorting device according to the invention.
Fig. 2
schematically shows a light barrier arrangement of the sorting device according to FIG. 1.
Fig. 3
shows a diagram of the switching pulses for electromagnets of the sorting device of FIG. 1st

Eine Sortiervorrichtung 10 weist zwei parallele Platten 12, 14 auf sowie eine sich an die Platte 14 anschließende dritte Platte 16, zwischen welchen Platten Klappen 18, 20, 22, 24, 28 schwenkbar gelagert sind. Die Schwenkbarkeit erfolgt um eine Achse senkrecht zur Zeichenebene am unteren Ende der Klappen 18 bis 28. Die Klappen 18 bis 28 werden durch nicht gezeigte Elektromagneten betätigt, wobei die Klappen 24, 28 gekoppelt und von einem einzigen Magneten verstellt werden. Die Klappen 18 bis 28 sind in der Ruhelage bzw. in einer Stellung gezeigt, in der die Elektromagneten entregt sind, mithin keinen Strom aufnehmen. Die Klappe 18, die als Annahmeweiche dient, liegt dabei mit ihrem oberen Ende gegen einen Anschlag 30 der Platte 14 an. Die Klappe 20 liegt gegen ein Anschlagbauteil 32 an der Platte 12 an, während die Klappe 22 an einem Anschlagbauteil 34 zwischen den Platten 14, 16 anliegt. Die Klappe 24 liegt an einem Anschlagbauteil 36 und die Klappe 28 an einem Anschlagbauteil 40 an. Die Elektromagneten bzw. die Klappen weisen daher zweckmäßigerweise eine Feder auf, welche die Klappen 18 bis 28 in der Ruhelage vorspannen.A sorting device 10 has two parallel plates 12, 14 and a third plate 16 adjoining the plate 14, between which plates flaps 18, 20, 22, 24, 28 are pivotally mounted. It can be swiveled around an axis perpendicular to the drawing plane at the bottom End of the flaps 18 to 28. The flaps 18 to 28 are actuated by electromagnets, not shown, the flaps 24, 28 being coupled and adjusted by a single magnet. The flaps 18 to 28 are shown in the rest position or in a position in which the electromagnets are de-energized and therefore do not absorb any current. The flap 18, which serves as an acceptance gate, rests with its upper end against a stop 30 of the plate 14. The flap 20 bears against a stop component 32 on the plate 12, while the flap 22 bears against a stop component 34 between the plates 14, 16. The flap 24 bears against a stop component 36 and the flap 28 against a stop component 40. The electromagnets or the flaps therefore expediently have a spring which prestress the flaps 18 to 28 in the rest position.

Wie erkennbar, sind drei Ebenen von Klappen gebildet, wobei die erste Ebene die Annahmeebene darstellt, in der die Klappe 18 in der Ruhelage in Richtung Pfeil 42 herabfallende Münzen zu einer Münzlaufbahn 44 lenkt, auf der sie in eine Rückgabe rollen. Die Klappen 20, 22 bilden die zweite Ebene, wobei ihre Achsen in gleicher Höhe liegen und somit die gleiche Zeitsteuerung verwendet werden kann. Das gleiche trifft zu auf die Achsen der Klappen 24, 28, welche die dritte Ebene darstellen.As can be seen, three levels of flaps are formed, the first level representing the acceptance level, in which the flap 18 in the rest position directs coins falling in the direction of arrow 42 to a coin track 44, on which they roll into a return. The flaps 20, 22 form the second level, their axes being at the same height and thus the same timing control can be used. The same applies to the axes of the flaps 24, 28, which represent the third level.

Der zweiten und der dritten Ebene sind Lichtschranken A und B zugeordnet. Die Lichtschranke A ist als Schema in Fig. 2 wiedergegeben. Sie besteht aus einem optischen Senderelement 44 und einem optischen Empfangselement 46, welche beide in der Platte 16 angeordnet sind. Sie enthält ferner ein Umlenkprisma 48 in der Platte 12, das den Sendestrahl des Senderelements 44 zum Empfangselement 46 umlenkt. Die Lichtschranke B ist analog aufgebaut.Light barriers A and B are assigned to the second and third levels. The light barrier A is shown as a diagram in Fig. 2. It consists of an optical transmitter element 44 and an optical receiver element 46, both of which are arranged in the plate 16. It also contains a deflection prism 48 in the plate 12, which deflects the transmission beam from the transmitter element 44 to the reception element 46. The light barrier B is constructed analogously.

Wie erkennbar, hat die Klappe 20 eine Ausnehmung 50 am oberen Ende und die längere Klappe 22 einen Durchbruch 52, so daß das Licht des Senderelements 44 ungehindert zum Prisma 48 gelangen kann und von diesem zurück zum Empfangselement 46.Es ist auch denkbar, pro Element 44, 46 jeweils einen Durchbruch bzw. eine Ausnehmung vorzusehen. In jedem Falle ist mit Hilfe der Lichtschranke A möglich, die Position einer Münze im Bereich der Klappen 20, 22 zu erfassen.As can be seen, the flap 20 has a recess 50 at the upper end and the longer flap 22 has an opening 52, so that the light from the transmitter element 44 can reach the prism 48 unhindered and from there back to the receiving element 46. It is also conceivable, per element 44, 46 each provide an opening or a recess. In any case, the light barrier A makes it possible to detect the position of a coin in the area of the flaps 20, 22.

Analog haben die Klappen 24, 28 Durchbrüche 54, 56, wobei die Anschlagbauteile 36, 40 ebenfalls mit entsprechenden Durchbrüchen 58 versehen sind. Auch in der dritten Ebene kann mithin die Position einer Münze im Bereich der Klappen 24, 28 erfaßt werden.Similarly, the flaps 24, 28 have openings 54, 56, the stop members 36, 40 also being provided with corresponding openings 58. The position of a coin in the area of the flaps 24, 28 can therefore also be detected in the third level.

Die optischen Bauteile 44, 46 sind mit einer Leiterplatte 60 verlötet, die an der Außenseite der Platte 16 in geeigneter Weise angebracht ist. Die Leiterplatte trägt auch die anderen Bauteile für eine geeignete nicht gezeigte Steuervorrichtung zur Betätigung der Klappen 18 bis 28 und zur Auswertung der Signale der Lichtschranken A und B.The optical components 44, 46 are with a printed circuit board 60 soldered, which is attached to the outside of the plate 16 in a suitable manner. The circuit board also carries the other components for a suitable control device, not shown, for actuating the flaps 18 to 28 and for evaluating the signals from the light barriers A and B.

Am Ende der Sortiervorrichtung 10 sind fünf Austritte 62, 64, 68, 70 und 72 vorgesehen, die mit nicht gezeigten Annahmeschächten ausgerichtet sind. Eine in Richtung Pfeil 42 eintretende Münze kann daher je nach ihrem Wert und der Stellung der Klappen 20 bis 28 zu einer der Austrittsöffnungen 62 bis 72 gelenkt werden. Wie erwähnt, sind die Klappen 24, 28 gekoppelt und werden mithin nur gemeinsam verstellt.At the end of the sorting device 10, five outlets 62, 64, 68, 70 and 72 are provided, which are aligned with acceptance shafts, not shown. A coin entering in the direction of arrow 42 can therefore be directed to one of the outlet openings 62 to 72 depending on its value and the position of the flaps 20 to 28. As mentioned, the flaps 24, 28 are coupled and are therefore only adjusted together.

Aus Fig. 3 geht die Betätigung der Elektromagneten für die Klappen der ersten bis dritten Ebene hervor. Die Klappen 20, 22 werden nur alternativ angesteuert, je nach dem Wertsignal für die geprüfte Münze. Dieses Wertsignal wird in einem Münzprüfer erzeugt, der oberhalb der Sortiervorrichtung 10 angeordnet ist (nicht gezeigt). Wie erkennbar, werden die Klappen 18 bis 28 zeitlich gestaffelt eingeschaltet. Von der Betätigung der Klappe 18 bis zur Betättigung der Klappe 20 oder 22 vergeht ein Zeitraum von 20 ms. Bis zur Betätigung der Klappen 24, 28 vergeht insgesamt ein Zeitraum von 50 ms. Das Ein- bzw. Austauchen einer Münze in den Lichtschranken A und B ist durch einen Impuls X1 bzw. X2 angedeutet. Es ist zu erkennen, daß mit dem Eintauchen einer Münze in die Lichtschranke A bzw. mit der Anstiegsflanke des Impulses X1 der Magnet für die Klappe 18 wieder entregt wird. Der Magnet für die Klappe 20 oder 22 wird entregt, wenn die Münze in die Lichtschranke B eintaucht. Die Klappen 18, 20, 22 bleiben daher nur so lange in der Betriebsstellung und ihre Magneten sind nur so lange erregt, wie dies für den Betrieb der Sortiervorrichtung unbedingt erforderlich ist. Wie in Fig. 1 zu erkennen, ist in der Ruhestellung der Klappen 18 bis 22 bis zur zugehörigen Wand bzw. im Anschlagbauteil ausreichend Raum vorhanden, daß eine Münze, die sich noch im Bereich der jeweiligen Klappe befindet, nicht eingeklemmt wird, wenn die Klappe in ihre Ruhestellung zurückkehrt. Die Rückstellung der Klappe in die Ruhestellung kann daher bereits beginnen, wenn sich die Münze noch teilweise im Bereich der zugehörigen Klappe befindet. Somit können die Klappen 24, 28 bereits mit der abfallenden Flanke des Impulses X2 zurückgestellt werden, d.h. wenn die Münze die Lichtschranke B verläßt.3 shows the actuation of the electromagnets for the flaps of the first to third levels. The flaps 20, 22 are only activated alternatively, depending on the value signal for the coin tested. This value signal is generated in a coin validator which is arranged above the sorting device 10 (not shown). As can be seen, the flaps 18 to 28 are switched on in a staggered manner. A period of 20 ms elapses between the actuation of the flap 18 and the actuation of the flap 20 or 22. Until the flaps 24, 28 are actuated, the total passes a period of 50 ms. The insertion or removal of a coin in the light barriers A and B is indicated by a pulse X1 or X2. It can be seen that when a coin is immersed in light barrier A or with the rising edge of pulse X1, the magnet for flap 18 is de-energized again. The magnet for the flap 20 or 22 is de-energized when the coin is immersed in the light barrier B. The flaps 18, 20, 22 therefore remain in the operating position only as long and their magnets are only energized as long as is absolutely necessary for the operation of the sorting device. As can be seen in Fig. 1, in the rest position of the flaps 18 to 22 up to the associated wall or in the stop member there is sufficient space that a coin which is still in the region of the respective flap is not jammed when the flap returns to its rest position. The return of the flap to the rest position can therefore already begin when the coin is still partially in the area of the associated flap. The flaps 24, 28 can thus already be reset with the falling edge of the pulse X2, ie when the coin leaves the light barrier B.

Der Impuls X2 der Lichtschranke B kann zum Beispiel auch dazu verwendet werden, ein Kreditsignal zu erzeugen. Eine nicht gezeigte Überwachungsstufe kann außerdem die Reihenfolge der Impulse der Lichtschranken A und B registrieren. Erscheint der Impuls X2 vor dem Impuls X1, ist dies ein Indiz dafür, daß eine Münze mit Hilfe eines Fadens wieder zurückgeholt werden soll. Ein entsprechend erzeugtes Löschsignal dient dann dazu, daß Kreditsignal zu eliminieren, so daß ein Verkaufsvorgang oder dergleichen nicht stattfindet.The pulse X2 of the light barrier B can also be used, for example, to generate a credit signal. A Monitoring stage, not shown, can also register the order of the pulses of light barriers A and B. If pulse X2 appears before pulse X1, this is an indication that a coin is to be retrieved using a thread. A correspondingly generated delete signal then serves to eliminate the credit signal so that a sales transaction or the like does not take place.

Claims (7)

  1. A classifying device (10) for coins comprising pivotally journaled flaps (18,22,24,28) actuated by solenoids arranged in at least a pair of planes one above the other, said flaps guiding coins entering from above to associate accept chutes or the like, wherein the solenoids are either energized to be active or deenergized to be inactive and which solenoids are biased by a spring to the inactive condition, and comprising a control means for generating control signals for the solenoids depending on coin denomination signals of a coin testing device arranged above the classifying device, characterized in that the flap (20,22,24,28) arranged in the lower plane includes an aperture (52,54,56) or a recess (50), to which aperture or recess the optical axis of a light barrier (A,B) is aligned and that the control device generates a switch-off signal for the solenoid of at least a flap (18,20,22) when a coin enters or leaves the light barrier (A,B).
  2. The classifying device of claim 1, characterized in that in arranging three or more planes comprising flaps (18 through 28) one above the other, the flaps beginning with the second plane are provided with apertures (52,54,56) or recesses (50) cooperating with a light barrier each.
  3. The classifying device of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the signal delivered by a light barrier (A,B) serves to actuate a solenoid each of a flap arranged above.
  4. The classifying device of one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flaps (18 through 28) engage a stopper (30,32,34,36,40) with its upper end in the inactive position of the solenoids and that a space is provided between said flaps and this position and the wall associated to the stopper which space is larger than the dimensions of the coins.
  5. The classifying device of one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means generates the energizing signals for the solenoids in the flap planes successively with respect to time.
  6. The classifying device of one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the signal delivered by a light barrier (A,B) defines a credit signal at the same time.
  7. The classifying device of one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the control means comprises a monitoring circuit associated to a pair of light barrier planes (A,B) which monitoring circuit senses the sequence of the signals with respect to time generated by the light barriers (A,B) and generating an erasing signal or the like, when the signal of the lower light barrier (B) is generated before the signal of the upper light barrier (A) occurs.
EP93121155A 1993-04-24 1993-12-31 Coin sorting apparatus Expired - Lifetime EP0622763B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE9306231U 1993-04-24
DE9306231U DE9306231U1 (en) 1993-04-24 1993-04-24

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EP0622763A1 EP0622763A1 (en) 1994-11-02
EP0622763B1 true EP0622763B1 (en) 1996-04-10
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US (1) US5496212A (en)
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DE (2) DE9306231U1 (en)
ES (1) ES2086864T5 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0622763A1 (en) 1994-11-02
DE59302197D1 (en) 1996-05-15
US5496212A (en) 1996-03-05
ES2086864T3 (en) 1996-07-01
DE9306231U1 (en) 1993-07-01
ES2086864T5 (en) 2000-11-16
EP0622763B2 (en) 2000-08-30

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